No bail! VG man accused of breaking curfew, intimidating woman with loaded gun

A Virgin Gorda man who fled after he allegedly broke the curfew and intimidated a woman with a loaded firearm was arrested on Moskito Island and has now been denied bail.

Charged with criminal trespass, two counts of carrying a firearm and possession of a firearm, as well as two counts of ‘breach of curfew’ is Rudy Vanterpool — a construction worker.

He was not made to plead when he appeared before Magistrate Christilyn Benjamin on Thursday.

He was placed on remand at Her Majesty’s Prison in Balsam Ghut.

Allegations surrounding the first incident

The court heard that on Sunday, May 24, the female complainant was at home when she heard a knock on her window followed by another at her door.

The court heard that she was in the process of opening the door when it was shoved open by Vanterpool, the accused. The accused man allegedly walked into her kitchen area, where a verbal altercation ensued between the two.

At some point, the woman told the accused to leave. However, he refused to comply, and at that point, she informed him that she would videotape him and call the police.

Instead of leaving, Vanterpool allegedly pulled a small black gun out of his pocket, cranked it, and instructed her not to make a video of him. 

The court heard that the complainant grabbed a small knife and after some time the accused left the residence.

Contact was then made with the police who subsequently went in search of the accused man.

The second alleged incident 

The court heard that the second alleged incident occurred on May 27, when the complainant heard a knock on her window, followed by the accused man asking her to come outside.

The court further heard that instead of complying with the request, the woman got on the floor and called the police.

When the police arrived, the court heard that the woman went to use the bathroom, where she had a clear view of the rear end of her apartment. While there, she allegedly saw Vanterpool running through the bushes and while doing so, discarded an object from his waist.

Vanterpool returned shortly after, at which point police informed him that there was a curfew in place. He was asked to leave the premises.

The court heard that the woman informed the police that the accused dropped an object and pointed them to the area.

Gun Find

After searching the area, a Glock 19 and a loaded magazine with six live rounds of 9 mm ammunition was found.

The court heard that on May 29, police received a tip that Vanterpool was seen in the Gun Creek area attempting to flee in a white open boat.

Upon arrival at the location, a white boat was observed with a black bag containing a BVI passport belonging to the accused, along with clothing and other items. 

Capture

The accused was later found hiding between some bushes on Moskito Island, the court heard. He was cautioned, arrested and taken back to Virgin Gorda to the Police Station.

During an audiovisual interview, Vanterpool reportedly admitted that he was aware that he was breaking the curfew, but at the time he was seeking employment and became thirsty so he went to the woman’s house.

He was subsequently charged.

Vanterpool, who is represented by Attorney Leroy Jones, is scheduled to return to court on July 21.

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